Applying Cold Wax as Finishing Coat

Cold wax adds an elegant finish to your acrylic and mixed media paintings.

[@lizrock1442]

LOVE your work and you're so humble!!! I'll be watching you!

[@ianistudio]

I sure appreciate that!

[@reneephillips7528]

Diane, I love your artwork. Thank you for creating this video and sharing your process in a very clear, detailed manner and with some extra tips. It's obvious you are a natural teacher.

[@ianistudio]

Renee, thank you for the great compliments

[@Queenie-the-genie]

I love your work. Thank you for sharing. 💛

[@ianistudio]

Thank you for your support

[@paulareeveslmt]

How wonderful! Love this!!

[@ianistudio]

Thank you Paulalina

[@jellsworth7955]

Thanks for your tip on applying this medium, I LOVE your work!

[@ianistudio]

You're welcome. Let me know how it works. Thanks for the encouragement

[@irisalfonsogiebus2006]

Love the process!

[@leeh5307]

Just discovered you and subscribed. Thank you for answering so many questions I had. Wonder artist, wonderful teacher.

[@ianistudio]

Thank you! Welcome.

[@karmindy1]

You are such a great educator! what a useful tips

[@ianistudio]

Thank you. Hopefully a new video this week on shellac as a base coat for panels.

[@vanessajmcintosh]

Thank you so much for a very nice video. You inspired me to try this for myself, it looks to be a beautiful finish. ❣️

[@ianistudio]

Thanks Vanessa. It is a beautiful and unique finish. Hope you give it a try.

[@sharonallredart]

Thank you for sharing your process...beautiful artwork!

[@ianistudio]

Thank you- you made my day!

[@tanyahunter7320]

Thanks for sharing this part of your process. Your artwork is lovely 💙

[@ianistudio]

Thank you Tanya

[@selenapotter4418]

Love seeing you both!! Great videos!

[@ianistudio]

We appreciate that. Stay tuned for a virtual open studios

[@ianistudio]

Thanks Selena

[@bridiemacdonald9436]

I've been looking at this for ever - thanks...love the look of wax.

[@ianistudio]

Thank you. Hope you give it a try

[@hotmai2]

Wonderful, Diane! I've worked in encaustic, but have always wondered about cold wax. Thanks for sharing.

[@ianistudio]

Hi Haro this is just one of the many qualities of cold wax. I may do some demos much later.

[@tanyaroberson9629]

Thank you for this. I've been struggling with acrylic because I can't handle the plastic look.

[@ianistudio]

Stick with it-enjoy the alchemy of turning plastic to gold!

[@michaelmartin3026]

great information, your passion shines through . thanks for sharing !

[@ianistudio]

You're welcome. More to come!

[@ianistudio]

Thank you. I love the feedback.

[@marypartridge5154]

Thanking you so much for sharing your ideas.

[@ianistudio]

So happy you enjoy them

[@1fynrtst]

Great Diane! I just ordered cold wax medium.

[@ianistudio]

I hope you like it. I also do cold wax and oil paintings which is a subject for another video!

[@kathycferguson]

Love the electric buffing tip

[@ianistudio]

It sure saves your arm. Buffing is tiring!

[@ianistudio]

Thanks. It really adds a nice buffing.

[@marykazak2109]

Good demo to give life to acrylic. 🙏

[@ianistudio]

Thank you. It takes a special alcemy

[@vibratac]

Diane I saw your studio on Artist Alliance and now I stumble onto your video! You’re really getting around! Thanks for this demo, I think I’m going to try this!

[@ianistudio]

Good luck. Let me know how it works for you

[@vibratac]

@@ianistudio it cuts the glare from gloss varnish very nicely

[@ianistudio]

I'm glad we are connected.

[@mariemerrick5956]

Can?t wait to try this

[@ianistudio]

How did it work out for you?

[@bambiwaterman1301]

Wonderful!

[@ianistudio]

Thanks Bambi. Please give me a thumbs up and subscribe. I will be posting regularly.

[@energyball2157]

Thank you, very helpful...

[@LifeArtAcademy]

Thank you. Very well explained.

[@ianistudio]

Glad you liked it

[@ck8504]

Great paintings

[@ianistudio]

Thank you

[@jasongray-powers4215]

Awesome!!!

[@ianistudio]

Thanks Jason. Desperate times call for desperate measures. Please subscribe to I AN I Studio on KZbin

[@ulrikemartens400]

Thanks for sharing!

[@ianistudio]

You're welcome. Thank you for watching

[@sondradorn]

Thank you!

[@ianistudio]

Thank you for your support

[@pac2840]

I tested this on an old watercolor painting on Ampersand board. It was a pretty faded painting and I wasn't sure it would be a fair test. But I tried it and it just came to life!. Absolutely love it.

[@ianistudio]

Happy it worked for you.

[@pac2840]

@@ianistudio Thank you for responding. I've been working on applying the wax to a new batch of paintings that will go to new homes when they are ready. They are lovely. I'm so pleased. Since the new owners don't know anything about wax, I feel like I should include a little note about how to care for them. I've been unable to find any info about this. I've been to their websites. Do you have any advice on this? Thank you!

[@ianistudio]

@@pac2840 I would suggest dusting with a clean, lint free cloth. No cleaners. Cold wax does not require routine buffing like encaustic. Much easier to maintain. Happy they turned out so well.

[@pac2840]

@@ianistudio Thank you! Good to know.

[@CarrieSketches]

Is this on a wooden panel or canvas? I love this piece you're waxing

[@ianistudio]

Wooden panel 18" x 18". Available

[@PatriseHenkel]

Whoops! Hurrying before a show I forgot the UV varnish…. Live & learn.

[@ianistudio]

Just keep moving! If your materials are stable no problem!

[@viviandibrell849]

I have used Dorlands Wax medium on watercolors that are mounted to cradled panels. I really love the finish on those. I have been doing gel printing and I wonder if after I do a panel with collage if this wax would be a good technique. Do you think it is the same material?

[@ianistudio]

@@viviandibrell849 I think it should work just fine. Experiment before you try it on your finished piece

[@kathycferguson]

What is the ratio of cold wax to Galkyd if I want a slightly harder surface? Love your videos and your stunning work.

[@ianistudio]

Thanks Cathy, I have not tried it and can't find the answer in Google search. I would experiment on a test piece using 25% Galkyd. Let me know how it works out.

[@jerczycat1091]

Wow thank you

[@ianistudio]

Thank you for watching. Let me know how it turns out

[@CatherineLeung-kr9bk]

Hi thanks so much for this video, so helpful. Is the varnish you use a gloss or matt? Would it make a difference to the end result?

[@ianistudio]

I generally mix gloss and matt varnish to get a satin finish. It matters because it determinescm the finish. Ultimately the cold wax gives a nice sheen but if it is over a gloss varnish it is more glossy and over matt is isn't as shiney.

[@Blueirisag]

Awesome video Diane! I love your experience of the senses. How did this figurative work appear? 😮

[@ianistudio]

Hi Iris, I took a workshop with Paul Christina. I did figures for years. I did this left handed.

[@Blueirisag]

@@ianistudio Isn’t that strange how that occurs? I read a long time ago about an art-teacher who’s career wasn’t great and then had a stroke. She had to retrain herself to paint and her career took off big time. The brain works in miraculous ways.

[@aniishaannamariawatkin3839]

Thank you for the clear explanation. Your work is gorgeous! Two questions. Can I use cold wax on acrylic without varnishing the surface first? Can I use cold wax over a coating of fixative and without varnish? Thank you so much.

[@ianistudio]

Glad you like the video. Yes, you can use cold wax over dried acrylic paint without vanishing. And yes it will work over dried fixative without varnish.

[@ianistudio]

I don't think it would be a problem to use cold eax without varnish. It would be fine over a spray fixative. Be sure the fixative and paintibg are dry.

[@merrellthompson9083]

hello! I had an image printed directly on. a wood panel and I want to finish with cold wax. Do I need to add a leveling step before the cold wax? And how long does it take to harden so it would be ready to pack up after you buff it the last time? Thank you ! love your website

[@ianistudio]

I might apply a layer of polymere mediums, and let it dry 72 hrs. Then a water based varnish with UVLS and let that dry 72 hrs. Then the cold wax layer, and let that dry approx 72 hrs after buffed. Cover the surface with glassine or wax paper before packing. You could try shortcuts by applying the wax directly to the print. As long as you cover the surface with glassine or wax paper you can pack it after 48-72 hrs.

[@johnwilliams7102]

Wax on... Wax off... very good!!! We both enjoyed watching and learning from this video. Question: Can the cold wax technique be use on highly textured acrylic surfaces ? Seems suitable only for smooth surfaces... From your biggest fans, J&J

[@ianistudio]

Thanks. I downloaded an editing program but failed to cut the clumsy exit. I hope it comes across as endearing.

[@ianistudio]

Smooth surfaces

[@johnwilliams7102]

I AN I Studio ending was just fine

[@zenobiaunknown2668]

Cool buff pad

[@ianistudio]

Thank yoy. I would LOVE to find another as mine is fairly worn, but so far no luck. I may have to start using a car buffer.

[@korneliaboros7716]

Hi Diane I really like the organic look but I have 2 questions. 1)Can you please tell me if the technic would work on hevy textured painting too? 2) I have finished a college on paper. As a top coat I've put on matt medium. Can you take me through the steps you recommend before the cold wax layer? Thank so much in advance.

[@ianistudio]

Thanks for watching. I don't recommed cold wax as a finish coat for heavily textured work for two reasons: 1. The wax will build up behind the texture and 2. You can't buff the cold wax with the texture. Instead, use a good ( I recommend Golden) polymer medium. Let it dry thorougly then a good UVLS polymer varnish. ( again I recommend Golden). You can choose matt, satin or gloss or blend any of the 3 for the perfect finish.

[@kath2142]

I did an acrylic painting I love but I didn't apply the varnish evenly so it looks bad from certain angles. If I apply and buff cold wax over it, will it solve this problem? Thanks for sharing your process here!! ❤

[@ianistudio]

You might want to do a 2nd layer of Varnish to even it out. Cold wax doesn't hide all the imperfections but sure makes them more interesting

[@dinch03]

Hello Diane thank you so much for the video. I am an absolute beginner and am learning as I go. I like oil pastel I have done a small canvas with oil pastel but have made the mistake of using acrylic on top of the oil pastel background for some smaller paintings that I couldn’t draw with the big oil pastel crayons. I like this painting as I did it out of my imagination and I don’t want it to get damaged over time, can I use cold wax over oil pastel and acrylic? I googled wax as I remember a long time ago as a kid my teacher at school told us to use a candle and rub it on and off our artwork to preserve.I look forward to hear back from you. Thanks, Chris

[@ianistudio]

I think as long as the paint is cured it should be fine. Welcome to the wonderful world of art.

[@ianistudio]

Hi, After re-reading this I see you have used oil pastel, not oil paint. I have not tried this nethod on oil pastel. I suggest you try it on a sample first that is less precious to you.

[@BigMoepar]

Cool! I see you're using wood cradled support. Have you tried the hand sander for buffing on a regular canvas or only on the wood support? Just curious if it works as well on it.

[@ianistudio]

Hi, I do use the power sander on canvas. You must be very careful of the edge because it is easy to sand right through the canvas especially where it meets the support on the edge. I recommend a finer sandpaper- I like120 or 240. However, with the buffing pad there is no problem using it on canvas.

[@BigMoepar]

@@ianistudio Also, where to you find the buffing pad for that shaped sander head? I have seen the round ones, but not the triangular ones

[@ianistudio]

Yes I use the sander on stretched canvas too. You have to be very careful that you do not sand through the canvas especially at the edges.

[@ianistudio]

Yes I use the sander on stretched canvas. You must be careful you don't sand through the canvas, especially along the edges

[@ianistudio]

I am havung a terrible time finding the buffing pad. Let me know if you find an online source.

[@philcoucke5459]

thank you for this beautiful video! i just wanted to ask you something for collages built up with "rice papers' and the isolation coat I apply before possibly waxing :-) I have the experience that any finishing/isolation coat I apply on rice papers soak in on some spots and on others not, which make it look like not everything is varnished, even if it is. Maybe you have some advice for a finishing coat on rice paper? so that i also can experiment with the cold wax medium. Thanks a lot in advance and sorry to disturb, Phil

[@ianistudio]

Thanks, Phil. First, I do an isolation coat of polymere mediums. I thin it about 20-35% ( I use Golden polymere mediums). Let that dry 72 hrs. Then varnish with a UVLS varnish like Liquitex. Let that dry 72 hrs, then apply the cold wax medium. That should give you an even finish. Good luck, and let me know how it works.

[@philcoucke5459]

@@ianistudio thanks a lot!

[@sondradorn]

Hi Diane, I’ve been struggling with the same issue, too shiny and plastic with my gloss acrylic varnish. I’m trying this now. You mentioned that you repeat the process? So you do another coat? Also, that the surface is more fragile. Can you suggest storage and transport tips? Thank you for sharing this information. I’ve subscribed and look forward to seeing more of your beautiful work.

[@ianistudio]

Hi Sondra Most of the time 1 coat is sufficient. Once the cold was has cured it is quite durable. I store face to face, or back to back in storage racks. When transporting you can wrap in plastic. If the painting is small enough you could use wax paper or glassine as a barrier before wrapping in plastic. If very laege, I also use foam corners for transport (order these from Home Depot)

[@sondradorn]

Many thanks. I appreciate you.

[@andreamuller8468]

Thank you very much, i am sad, cant get coldwax so easely in europe :(

[@ianistudio]

A good varnish makes a beautiful surface too.

[@christinemullie1253]

Hi, thanks so much for Your video. I have watched this so many times, but today am wanting to know if you can use cold wax (exactly as you have shown) but over an acrylic painting on canvas rather than on a board?

[@ianistudio]

Yes!!!! I DO IT ALL THE TIME! Thanks for your support

[@christinemullie1253]

Thank you.

[@annejackson195]

Hi Dianne, Thanks for your video. You rub on the wax and let it set for 20min before buffing? Does that give you a smooth, even coat? Gamblin suggests you let it dry for 4-6 hours before buffing. I've had trouble with streaking when using it one my very smooth oil paintings. I've tried Gamvar as well. Thanks for any comments.

[@ianistudio]

I read on a sight called craftsknight.com that you should let it dry for 24 hrs. I would contact Gamblin directly. I'm sure each method gives different results. I treat it as if I was waxing a car, and my results are similar to a car that has been waxed and buffed. I find if the wax is too dry it is very difficult to buff. Of course it depends on how heavily you apply the wax and the climate conditions. Like waxing a car, I apply a very thin coat of cold wax. Once it sets, I buff it. If it cures, it won't buff. Experiment and let me know what works for you.

[@annejackson195]

@@ianistudio Thanks! I'll try it and let you know.

[@annejackson195]

@@ianistudio Hi Diane, I think this is going to work for me! In the past when I've used cold wax as a finishing layer, I've struggled with streaks. After watching your video, I went and bought a buffing pad for my power sander and buffing after 20min of applying the wax. This seemed to work much better! My oil paintings are very smooth such that any variation in sheen tends to be really noticeable. I diluted my Gamblin cold wax with a small amount of Gamsol, then rubbed it on thinly, finishing with a smooth vertical wipe. I let it dry for 20min and then buffed with my power sander, as you demonstrated, with the buff pad and the additional blue wipe underneath. After that, I applied a 2nd thin layer and buffed with the cloth. I think it's working! Thanks very much!

[@lenmey1]

Hi I was wondering....you mention varnishing before you used cold wax to protect mixed media. What did you use to protect your marks from smudging etc before the wax? Didn’t that first varnish change the look of the painting? I would love to try this but don’t know what to varnish a mixed media painting with first! Thanks so much.

[@ianistudio]

I first use an aerosol spray to prevent smudging. Let it dry well (12-24hours). Then use a barrier coat of acrylic polymer medium (I use Golden polymer medium thinned 25% with water). Let this dry well, again 12-24hrs. Then varnish with Golden polymer varnish with UVLS protection. Especially important with mixed media as some of the fragments could fade. After this has dried at least 24 hrs you may apply cold wax medium and buff to a soft shine.

[@lenmey1]

@@ianistudio thank you so much!

[@Cathy-py4tm]

What is UVLS stand for. Very interesting in starting cold wax over acrylic. Great informational video

[@ianistudio]

Ultra violet light stabilizer

[@ianistudio]

Thank you for watching

[@Cathy-py4tm]

Thank u. Have you ever used the cold wax for watercolor

[@Cathy-py4tm]

Have you ever used cold wax with watercolor

[@ianistudio]

I have not used cold wax with watercolor. I googled your question and many people do seal watercolor with cold wax. Give it a try and let me know what you think. I copied this from the internet: Whenever possible, we now wax our watercolors with Gamblin Cold Wax Medium. We first heard of this from renowned watercolorist Sarah Yeoman. At first, you may be reluctant to apply anything, much less wax, to the surface of a watercolor. Once you try it on a practice painting, you will be a convert.

[@elisamalo]

Can you add transparent thick layers of wax? does it dry transparent? I would imagine like a built up thick jelly paste?? is it possible to do that with cold wax?

[@laurahaviland775]

Do you use cold wax on art work prints ? Love your art...

[@ianistudio]

Hi Laura, I have not tried it on prints. Go ahead and experiment. Let me know how it works.

[@ianistudio]

Thank you. Although I don't have prints available I have matted works on paper starting at $50!

[@exof37]

Do you add the second coat after waiting 20 minutes and before any buffing?

[@ianistudio]

No. Buff and complete the first coat. If needed at that point add the 2nd coat. Usually 1 coat is enough. Think of it as if you were waxing a car.

[@judithsimonds4631]

Hi Diane, could you please specify as to why we need to be more careful with our waxed paintings? Do we need to avoid warmer temperatures? Will it melt? Also, does the wax protect the painting? Will it yellow over time? If so, how is it removed? Varnish is removable, so it's an important question. Thank you so much for creating this video! I have some large panel paintings that I've tried varnishing and had to remove it 3 times because of uneven coverage = varnish separating on the surface :(

[@ianistudio]

Waxed surface could be suseptable to temps over 185°-I wouldn't leave them in a hot car. Once cured they are quite durable. The wax won't protect from UV harm. I use a UV protecting varnish first then wax. I use wax for the beautiful luster it gives on acrylic paintings. It will not yellow. It can be removed (probably with solvents like Gamsol) though I would rreach out to the cold wax manufacturer to see what they recommebd for removal. PS some varnishes like Liquatex cannot be removed. Read the lable.

[@judithsimonds4631]

@@ianistudio What type of UV protecting varnish to you recommend? This is all wonderful information. I truly appreciate your quite response! Thank you so much!

[@ianistudio]

I recomnend Golden Polymere varnish thougb I can't get it these days. I am nkw using Liquitex since it is available.

[@Squiffy1313]

Very informative and helpful. Thank you.

[@user-yp7vf5lo8h]

My cold wax painting melted when left in the conservatory on and hot day. The texture where it pooled was flat now, but the colours are still intact. I don't understand why. It was a lot of oil and cold wax with impasto texture. Now it looks fine from the front, but from the side you can see all these flattened melted areas.

[@carenhoffmann4059]

Are these acrylic collages/ paintings polishing with cold wax medium?

[@ianistudio]

Yes. I first sealed with Golden polymer medium, then varnished with Golden UVLS polymer varnish

[@cherylerome-beatty4677]

Would the cold wax attract and hold dust over time?

[@ianistudio]

I have not found that to be true. The cold wax cures and is like a polished car

[@dianemariekramerakashewolf8496]

so..if one does not have a buffing gizmo.... is it ok to just use soft cotton cloth...and rub?

[@ianistudio]

Yes. Soft cloth and rubbing works great

[@cliffdariff74]

Is the wax on the rag flammable if left in studio??

[@ianistudio]

I recommend a fire safe receptacle. I'm always cautious with oils, and the wax does contain resin.

[@raquelegosi]

Can you put the varnish on top of the wax if you didn't mixed them together before.

[@raquelegosi]

Thanks so much.

[@ianistudio]

I doubt it. You can top acrylic I c products with oil but not visa versa

[@carolmcbrideonline]

Could I use cold wax without sealing an acrylic painting with varnsh?

[@ianistudio]

Yes. But the varnish has the UVLS that protects the painting from light

[@ladynsearch-of-art]

Thanks so much. So interesting. BTW what is a gal kit?

[@ianistudio]

Gamblin Galkyd oil medium

[@ianistudio]

Contemporary Oil Painting Medium Galkyd is an alkyd resin painting medium that increases the fluidity of oil colours and speeds their drying time. Thin layers of oil colours are dry in 24 hours. The viscosity of Galkyd is similar to traditional painting mediums made from linseed stand oil. Galkyd levels brush strokes, creates a strong flexible paint film and leaves an enamel like glossy finish. Galkyd is ready to use. Thins with odourless mineral spirits. Painters can add up to 50% by volume odourless mineral spirits to change the viscosity of Galkyd for glazing. Galkyds are excellent glazing mediums. Specifications

[@ladynsearch-of-art]

Well thanks very much for that thorough explanation 🙂

[@ladynsearch-of-art]

Do you know if you can use cold wax to seal oil pastels?

[@ianistudio]

@@ladynsearch-of-art I have never tried it, but it sounds interesting. Let the oil pastel dry thoroughly first and let me know how it works.

[@christinebarone2151]

I wasn’t aware you can use cold wax on an acrylic painting. I was told only if its an oil painting … wow

[@ianistudio]

Yes....give it a try. Oil can go over acrylic but acrylic can't go over oil.

[@JenRamos-MadeByGirl]

Can you add this wax over raw canvas that has acrylic paint on it already?

[@ianistudio]

If it has acrylic paint on it, it is no longer raw canvas. If it is unprimed with an acrylic stain, the cold wax might absorb too much. I have never tried it. Go ahead and experiment. Tell me how it works.

[@Janicelv52]

I thought your video was Great! thank you. Can you give me the name of the UV varnish you use with acrylic? Thank you!!!

[@ianistudio]

Thank you. I use Golden Plolymer varnish with UVLS

[@sherisecenter5836]

Can you use this technique on a canvas?

[@ianistudio]

Yes. I often use it on canvas

[@bricxmartillodumas]

Hi! Is this also good for oil?

[@ianistudio]

I haven't tried it but believe it will work with cured oils.

[@annejackson195]

Absolutely, it can be used on oil paintings. Cold wax medium is an oil painting medium that is excellent for creating all sorts of textural effects. See the work of Rebecca Crowell, also info on the Gamblin website.

[@juliedeaugustine5145]

I did not catch the end when you mentioned product added to the wax .. not very audible for me thankyou ! ❤

[@Ladeefingers]

How do you clean it? I am worried about dust...

[@ianistudio]

It cures hard and smooth. Not sticky. Dust won't adhere.

[@Ladeefingers]

@@ianistudio super thank you!

[@theartist2380]

Can you add varnish later on

[@ianistudio]

No. Varnish first. Then cold wax

[@melshamaheshi]

😚😙😙😍😍😍♥️♥️♥️♥️😙😍😍😍

[@ianistudio]

Ahhhh thank you. This made my day better.

[@jsh281]

is it safe to rub on with my bare hands?

[@ianistudio]

I wouldn't. Use a soft cloth like an old tee shirt.

[@sheremckim3860]

WHAT IS YOUR INSTAGRAM PAGE NAME? LOVE YOUR WORK! THANK YOU!

[@ianistudio]

@@sheremckim3860 @zioniani is my IG name. Thanks for your support.

[@nancypahl7755]

For me, 20 minutes cure time doesn't work as well as 2hrs.

[@ianistudio]

You may be applying the wax too thick

[@nancypahl7755]

@@ianistudio Yes. I figured that out. Your sander idea worked nicely. I waxed and buffed a 5 8x10 canvases in a little over an hour, using Golden semi-gloss UV top coat (thinly) under Gamblin cold wax.